megestrol

MEGESTROL CONCENTRATED SUSPENSION

Uses

Megestrol is used to increase your appetite and to prevent or reverse unintended or significant weight loss (e.g., muscle wasting). Improving your appetite and gaining weight may increase your ability to fight disease. It can also increase your sense of well-being and your physical ability.

Megestrol is similar to a natural substance made by the body called progesterone.

How to use megestrol

Take this medication by mouth with or without food, usually once daily or as directed by your doctor. Measure the medication with a dose-measuring spoon or device, not a regular teaspoon, to make sure you have the correct dose. The dosage is based on your medical condition and response to therapy.

Use this medication regularly to get the most benefit from it. To help you remember, take it at the same time each day. It may take several weeks of continued use to see a benefit. Tell your doctor if your condition does not improve or if it worsens.

Shake the bottle well before each dose. Do not switch between different forms of megestrol because they may not have the same amount of medication.

Side Effects

This medication may cause trouble sleeping, fever, gas, decreased sexual ability/desire, or upset stomach. Women may experience changes in their menstrual periods, including unpredictable bleeding. If any of these effects persist or worsen, inform your doctor.

Remember that your doctor has prescribed this medication because he or she has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects.

Tell your doctor immediately if any of these unlikely but serious side effects occur: fast/pounding heartbeat, fatigue, headache, swelling of the hands/feet.

Seek immediate medical attention if any of these rare but very serious side effects occur: chest pain, confusion, difficulty breathing, mental/mood changes, weakness/numbness on one side of the body, pain/redness/swelling of arms or legs, slurred speech, vision changes.

Precautions

Before taking megestrol, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.

High blood sugar (hyperglycemia) and worsening of diabetes may occur. Symptoms of high blood sugar include thirst, increased urination, confusion, drowsiness, flushing, rapid breathing or fruity breath odor. If these symptoms occur, tell your doctor immediately. People with diabetes should monitor their blood sugar levels more frequently when they start taking this medication and whenever the dose changes since they may need to change their doses of diabetic medications.

This drug may decrease adrenal gland activity. Therefore, tell your doctor or dentist that you are currently using megestrol or the date you stopped using it. After stopping this drug, additional corticosteroids (e.g., hydrocortisone) may be necessary during stress situations such as trauma, major surgery, or serious infection. Consult your doctor or pharmacist for details. Symptoms of adrenal problems include unusual weakness, dizziness, nausea, and weight loss.

Older adults may be more sensitive to the side effects of this drug, especially the risk for blood clots.

This medication must not be used during pregnancy. Megestrol may cause harm to your baby. If you become pregnant or think you may be pregnant, inform your doctor immediately. Women of childbearing age should use an effective form of birth control while using this medication. Consult your doctor for more details.

It is unknown if this medication passes into breast milk. Breast-feeding while using this drug is not recommended. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

Interactions

Drug interactions may change how your medications work or increase your risk for serious side effects. This document does not contain all possible drug interactions. Keep a list of all the products you use (including prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products) and share it with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicines without your doctor's approval.

Overdose

If overdose is suspected, contact a poison control center or emergency room immediately. US residents can call their local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. Canada residents can call a provincial poison control center.

Notes

Do not share this medication with others. It is important to keep all doctor appointments so your progress can be monitored and to check for any side effects including high blood pressure.

Missed Dose

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and resume your regular dosing schedule. Do not double the dose to catch up.

Storage

Store at room temperature away from light and moisture. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep all medications away from children and pets.

Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them into a drain unless instructed to do so. Properly discard this product when it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company.

Information last revised March 2013. Copyright(c) 2013 First Databank, Inc.

Selected from data included with permission and copyrighted by First Databank, Inc. This copyrighted material has been downloaded from a licensed data provider and is not for distribution, expect as may be authorized by the applicable terms of use.

CONDITIONS OF USE: The information in this database is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgment of healthcare professionals. The information is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, drug interactions or adverse effects, nor should it be construed to indicate that use of a particular drug is safe, appropriate or effective for you or anyone else. A healthcare professional should be consulted before taking any drug, changing any diet or commencing or discontinuing any course of treatment.

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